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To make these tasty broccoli cheddar quinoa bites, you'll need fresh ingredients and some pantry staples. This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings. The prep time is just 15 minutes, and then you bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Here's what you need for the base of the recipe: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option) - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet) These ingredients work together to create a delicious and filling bite. The quinoa gives a great texture, while the broccoli and cheese add flavor and nutrients. Feel free to get creative! Here are some fun ideas: - Add cooked chicken or turkey for more protein. - Swap out the cheeses for your favorite types. Try mozzarella or feta! - Mix in chopped herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor. - Use different veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. These add-ins can make the bites unique and suited to your taste. Don't hesitate to experiment! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa, then add it to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Once the liquid is absorbed, fluff the quinoa with a fork. Allow it to cool for a few minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the following: - 1 cup finely chopped broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour if gluten-free) - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Stir everything well until you mix all the ingredients evenly. Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into small bites about 1-2 inches wide. Place them on the greased baking sheet with space in between. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown. Flip the bites halfway through for even cooking. Let them cool for a few minutes after baking before serving. Enjoy these bites warm or at room temperature! To get the best texture for your quinoa bites, cook the quinoa well. Use vegetable broth for added flavor. After cooking, let it cool before mixing. This helps keep the bites firm. When you combine the ingredients, don’t overmix. This keeps your bites tender inside. Aim for a patty size of 1-2 inches for even cooking. Flipping your bites halfway through baking is key. This ensures an even, golden crust. Use a spatula to gently lift them. Avoid pressing down too hard, or they may break apart. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Watch closely as they start to brown. The perfect color shows they are ready to come out. These bites shine when served warm or at room temperature. Arrange them on a platter for a nice touch. Pair with a creamy dip like ranch or yogurt. This adds a burst of flavor. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley or extra cheese on top. Your guests will love the look and taste! {{image_4}} You can easily make this recipe vegetarian or vegan. To keep it vegetarian, just use more cheese or add a variety of vegetables. If you want to go vegan, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes, and it becomes a great egg substitute. You can also swap out the cheese for a vegan cheese option. This keeps the bites creamy and tasty. For a gluten-free version, simply use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. Almond flour gives the bites a nice texture. You also want to check that your cheese is gluten-free. Most cheeses are, but it’s always good to double-check. This allows everyone to enjoy the bites without worry. Want to switch up the flavors? Try different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack. Pepper jack adds a fun kick! You can also mix in spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra warmth. Fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, can lift the flavors even more. Feel free to get creative and customize these bites to your taste. To store leftover broccoli cheddar quinoa bites, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to layer them carefully to avoid squishing. If you want, you can also use parchment paper between layers. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quinoa bites on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warm. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use the microwave for a quick option. Heat them for 30 seconds to 1 minute, but they may get soft. To freeze quinoa bites, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for 1-2 hours until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, bake straight from the freezer. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It saves time and is easy to find. Just thaw the broccoli first. Chop it finely before mixing it into your quinoa. This keeps the texture nice and even. Add some heat to your bites with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a small pinch and mix it in. You can also use spicy cheese, like pepper jack, for more flavor. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. These bites pair well with dips like ranch or yogurt. You can also serve them with a side salad or fresh veggies. For a heartier meal, add some grilled chicken or a warm soup. This makes a great snack or a light meal. This blog post covered how to make Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites. We reviewed the key ingredients and their roles. You learned how to mix, bake, and serve these tasty treats. Remember, there are many ways to customize them. You can add flavors or adjust textures to suit your taste. Proper storage keeps them fresh for longer. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a healthy snack ready anytime. Enjoy making your own delicious bites!

Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites

Get ready to enjoy delicious Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites, a perfect blend of healthy and cheesy goodness! These easy-to-make bites are packed with protein and flavor, making them a great snack or appetizer for any occasion. Follow our simple recipe that combines quinoa, broccoli, and sharp cheddar for a tasty treat.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.

    In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. After cooking, fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the finely chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.

        With your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into small patties or bites, roughly 1-2 inches in diameter, and place them onto the greased baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them for even cooking.

          Bake the quinoa bites in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. To achieve a perfect golden brown color, flip the bites halfway through the baking time.

            Once they are golden and crispy on the outside, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These bites are delicious either warm or at room temperature.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the quinoa bites beautifully arranged on a platter alongside a creamy ranch or yogurt dip for an additional flavor punch. Sprinkle fresh parsley or extra cheese on top for a delightful color contrast that will impress your guests!